I've posted this on 2 other forums- desperate for a solution. Haven't driven the 'lark for toooo long! “IGN” light won’t go out- even with the switch off & key out. <o></o> I never had the problem after I did the column the first time. I revisted the column to replace the sector gear, ign switch & preload spring.The car was fine until I replaced them. <o></o> Got it all together and now the car cranks ( haven’t tried to start it yet) My problem is that the “GEN” light stays on constantly, no matter what position the key is in. I havn’t got the key buzzer switch in- waiting for a replacement. <o></o> The radio is staying on too, and when I disconnect the battery I can hear a relay clicking off- some where on the firewall. Or is the "relay" the voltage regulator? <o></o> I suppose it’s possible that a relay has failed- in the 4weeks the car has been sitting. Or is it something I’ve done? <o></o> I refitted the old ign switch- still the same. “GEN” light won’t go out unless I disconnect the battery. <o></o> It’s a ’69 Skylark 2 Dr Htp, 350 4 bbl, A/C & tilt column. All was well until I started digging into this infernal steeringcolumn! L
In the mean time you could pull the alternator and have it checked at a parts store. Whenever I hear about the GEN light staying on I think alternator or voltage regulator. There is a way to troubleshoot the voltage regulator, I've seen a video online, do a youtube search. sorry I can't help further.
Perhaps maybe. I just figured its a rather easy check to have done to at least start narrowing things down. I wish I completely understood those circuits better for these situations.
points in regulator stuck,bad diode in alternator would keep the light on.Or somehow the regulator is getting constant power from your ignition switch replacement.That is more likely since the radio is constant now also.
I can see your points (no pun intended!) but to have 2 ign switches- one brand new & the original that was working OK, is a long shot. But worth investagating. Thanks again. Chris
You don't have to go any further than the Buick Chassis manual. It tells you in the Generating System section that if the indicator light is on with the ignition off, it is a shorted positive diode. There will be a continuous drain on the battery through the alternator.
And as much as we can trust the Chassis Manual, I have had this same exact condition occur when one of the two leads of the pigtail was broken. Can't remember which one though as it has been about a decade. The other end of the pigtail goes to the regulator though so pretty easy to chase this circuit.
. ---------- Post added at 08:34 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:32 PM ---------- That wouldn't do it with the key off.With key on youd have to ground the "L" wire to trigger the light.
Thanks for all your help. It's now an intermittant problem- but at least I can drive to the auto sparky! Cheers, Chris
